Browsing by Author "Lahti, Anna-Henriikka"

Goals of this study. The goal of this study is to examine, interpret and analyze the perceptions that elementary school teachers hold concerning the fulfillment of inclusion and integration of immigrant students studying in general education class. Aim of this study is to answer the following research problems: 1. According on elementary school teachers how well the goals of inclusion are being fulfilled concerning immigrant students? 2. What kind of representations do elementary school teachers hold concerning the inclusion and integration of immigrant students in general education class? Theoretical background of this study is based on litera- ture handling of inclusion and representation. The experiences teachers have, are being com- pared to the theoretical framework. The concept of representation and othering are repre- sented also in the empiric part of this study. The purpose of this study is to take a stand in the general conversation dealing with inclusion. At the center of this study is the inclusion and integration of students with an immigrant background because of the linguistic questions. Methods. The material of this study was produced by implementing two group interviews. Both interviews consisted four elementary school teachers who had been teaching students with immigrant background within the last five years. Material was analyzed with the means of discourse analysis. Research questions were answered by the representations which were brought up from the material of this study. Results and conclusion. According on the material of this study the goals of inclusion have not been seen fulfilling among immigrant students. It was stated that the resources, like learn- ing materials, time and assistance from special education teachers are not sufficient. Based on the experience of teachers seven repertoires were constructed. These repertoires repre- sent those representations that teachers hold concerning of the inclusion of immigrant stu- dents.